To alleviate food insecurity and help those most in need, the Manitoba government is providing a $3-million grant to Harvest Manitoba to support food banks dealing with increased food prices and high demand across the province, Premier Heather Stefanson and Families Minister Rochelle Squires announced today.
“As we approach the new year, and look back on the year that was, we know Manitobans have been through a lot. From the global pandemic, to flooding, the unjust war on Ukraine, and rising costs and record inflationary pressures,” said Stefanson. “As a government, we are listening and we are acting to support those most in need. This $3-million investment will help ensure food banks have sufficient resources to support Manitobans over the coming months.”
The premier noted that Harvest Manitoba will utilize the $3-million grant to support food banks in urban and rural communities in all regions of Manitoba, including Brandon’s Samaritan House, through food purchasing, transportation and other costs taking into consideration community size and need.
“More Manitobans are struggling with food insecurity and are turning to food banks to help support their families,” said Squires. “These essential community organizations are grappling to keep up with this growing demand, all while facing the increased costs of delivering emergency food services due to worldwide inflationary pressures.”
The grant will ensure food banks have the resources needed to continue supporting their communities, noted Squires.
“This special support from the Manitoba government will ensure that Harvest has the resources required to meet the unprecedented demand for food banks,” said Vince Barletta, president and CEO, Harvest Manitoba. “Harvest Manitoba looks forward to working with the Manitoba government and our community partners in the year ahead to reduce the growing need for food banks.”
The premier noted the new $3-million grant announced today is in addition to the government’s $1.75-million investment in September to create the Food Security Fund, which supported 29 successful grant applicants from not-for-profit community organizations that address food insecurity.
The Food Security Fund is part of the government’s comprehensive $87-million Family Affordability Package that provides financial benefits to families with children, seniors living on fixed incomes and Manitobans most in need, added Squires.
For more information on Manitoba’s Family Affordability Package, visit https://gov.mb.ca/familyaffordability/index.html
